Neem London (link below) is a menswear brand due to launch later this year. I decided to include it in my Sustainable Style series after meeting the founder, Nick, and hearing about his plans for a sustainable menswear business based on comfort and style.
I tried samples of three shirts and a blazer, all made from recycled polyester and other sustainable materials. All were comfortable and stylish. The long-sleeve shirts have an open weave finish, a bit like Aertex and all drape well with some stretch. The stone hopsack blazer is soft, unstructured and half-lined. All display suitable casual elan. Although not specifically sold as such, they would make good travel clothes.
Wearing Neem London stone hopsack blazer & recycled polyester smock shirt (blazer is a sample and not quite my size)
I spoke to Nick recently about his new business and his desire to eliminate the wasteful aspects of menswear production:
GF: Nick, please tell me about the upcoming launch.
NL: We believe in being smart yet comfortable. We are built on three key values:
Firstly, we use materials that create a low impact on the environment, we are still new to this so will be very clear and transparent on the yarns, fabrics and ways in which and where we manufacture. We believe this is a new way for menswear. Recycled yarn, organic cotton, ZQ merino along with minimal packaging and threads, labels all made using recycled yarns. We’re aiming for a closed loop menswear system.
Secondly, we believe in comfort, using innovative spinning systems, sustainable stretch produced by synthesis that biodegrades. Away from the menswear textile science, what matters is being smart, yet supremely comfortable. Whether you are wearing menswear at home or to a meeting we believe in a smooth transition, this is comfort tailoring.
Thirdly, we believe that tailoring should be soft with minimal additions - the fabric cut and sculpted in a way so it's lightweight.
GF: Tell me something about the style of the products.
NL: We believe in soft menswear tailoring, soft to the touch but made with a finesse down to the the finest detail. Working with some of the best mills and makers we can find, who produce tailoring that is cared about. The fabrics, trims and labelling must all be recycled and or biodegradable, this has not been straightforward.
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| Wearing Neem London shirts |
GF: I know that sustainability is important to you - please tell me about this.
NL: We are disillusioned with the way in which there has been an over-consumption in the menswear industry over the last 20-30 years and that the knowledge of the product of how and where it's made is not made clear or even known by the retailers. We are aiming for a closed loop system, we are not there yet.
That means full transparency down the supply chain including fabric, trims and packaging that is recycled or natural and biodegradable. This is not easy.
GF: How do you plan that the brand will develop after launch and into the future?
NL: We want to offer a full product range built around the knitwear and shirts. The main thing is that people feel happy, honest and comfortable in our products.
GF: Anything else to mention about building a sustainable business?
NL: The more we grow the easier this becomes, mills and makers are not built for this yet - bad polyester, viscose and lycra still dominate the market.
For more information see Neem London.
The clothes shown here are samples borrowed for the photographs. This is an unsponsored feature.
